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Online retail sales rise despite stalling high street.

21 October 2009

On the day the latest sales statistics are to be announced for the month of September, www.shopsafe.co.uk, one of the UK's leading online shopping directories, is reporting an increase in online retail sales over the past 12 months.

During the month of September 2009, transactions through www.shopsafe.co.uk saw a year-on-year rise of 3%, by value.

www.shopsafe.co.uk is a directory of safe and secure websites providing consumers with access to a range of over 4000 independent, secure retailers including Next, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Currys.

Between August and September there was an 11% rise in the number of sales alone. This is in stark contrast to the Office of National Statistics figures for July and August, which said retail sales had stalled but had regained some ground year on year.

The ONS found that there was no retail sales growth between July and August, although the figures were up 2.1% on last year. Online retail is growing as demonstrated by Marks & Spencer has seen its brand boosted by 30% from its online sales, for the second quarter of this year

www.shopsafe.co.uk has revealed that although shoppers are returning to the market they are cautious about how much they spend. The amount the online consumer is prepared to spend has fallen by 8% year-on-year to just under £65 per visit.

www.shopsafe.co.uk is also reporting the hunt for a bargain has led to the rise in online sales, with those who are increasingly 'time poor' finding it easier to shop over the internet rather than 'hit the High Street'.

Director of www.shopsafe.co.uk, Simon Crisp, said: "The economic climate has been, in some part, favourable to the online sector as shoppers continue to buy, but are desperate for a bargain. Retailers are looking to the internet where they are able to be far more cost effective, while also offering shoppers a range of discount voucher codes to further reduce the price the consumer pays."

"People are still being cautious with their money but are willing to spend if the price is right."

The secure directory found its most popular sales categories were women's clothes, followed by purchases from stores selling electrical goods and appliances.

Simon added: "We expect to see shoppers continue to spend on electrical goods as Christmas approaches. While all people are looking for a good deal price-wise, women in particular are on the look-out for cheaper clothes.".

ENDS

CONTACT: Jono Kearsley on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:
www.shopsafe.co.uk is a directory of safe and secure websites and a leader in online security. It provides consumers with access to a range of secure outlets to be able to purchase from including High Street retailers such as Next, Currys and John Lewis.

Consumers can search the website by category, item or by retailer and use discounts only available through www.shopsafe.co.uk

www.shopsafe.co.uk measures a retail outlets security, by ranking it with a number of stars. In the event a retailer listed on www.shopsafe.co.uk experiences issues with online fraud, shopsafe.co.uk can alter the security status of the website on its site or delete the link and association entirely.